Julien Royer, the chef and co-owner of three-Michelin-starred restaurant Odette, collaborates with Gen.T to create a Spotify playlist of songs that never fail to lift his mood

When chef Julien Royer’s restaurant Odette was recognised by the Michelin Guide for the first time in 2016, it had only been open a year. It was immediately awarded two stars, an accolade the Singaporean restaurant retained until it received an additional star in 2019. That same year, the French fine dining restaurant achieved another milestone when it placed first on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list

Accolades aside, Royer says it is the simple pleasures in life, such as family and music, that bring him the greatest happiness. “Happiness, to me, is not just about the milestones,” he says. “There's plenty of joy to be found in the normalcy of everyday life, whether it’s working alongside a devoted and passionate team, or spending time with my wife Agnes, calling my parents back home in Cantal or even getting together with friends to watch football.” 

Here, he shares a list of songs that never fail to lift his mood.

See also: Playlist: 10 Songs Environmentalist Melati Wijsen Uses To Get Inspired

Listen to Julien Royer’s mood-boosting playlist here

Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen

“A masterpiece. This is one of the best songs of all time and it happens to be my wife Agnes’ favourite song too. Every time we hear this song playing, we always have fun singing along to it together.”

What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong

“This song always fills me with joy. Sometimes it makes me a little nostalgic too, because it brings me back to some of the happiest days of my childhood.”

We Are The Champions, Queen

“This song holds a special memory for me. We played this song at the restaurant when my team and I first discovered we had been awarded the coveted three Michelin stars. It was an extremely proud moment for us. We were in such good spirits, celebrating and singing at the top of our lungs with fire and passion. I also believe that one day, Paris Saint-Germain, my favourite football team, will win the UEFA Champions League, and I can’t wait to play this song when they do!”

Let It Be, The Beatles

“It’s the perfect song for a rainy day. Very mellow and soothing.”

Mistral Gagnant, Renaud

“In my opinion, the best French song that’s ever been written.”

Stand By Me, Ben E. King

“How can anyone not love this song? It’s almost 50 years old but still so popular to this day. The lyrics are so romantic and heartwarming—a feel-good song that everyone can relate to. I also love Ben E. King's voice.”

Thunderstruck, AC/DC

“Some songs make you feel invincible like you’re ready to tackle anything life throws your way. This is one of those examples—I get a rush of adrenaline whenever I listen to it.”

No Woman No Cry, Bob Marley

“This is a classic. It’s actually a positive and uplifting song, especially when Bob Marley sings ‘Everything’s gonna be alright’.”

Elle a Les Yeux Revolver, Marc Lavoine

“Marc Lavoine sings about a woman in a sensual yet classy manner, which is very French indeed.”

En Cloque, Renaud

“This is on my playlist because I find it to be very moving. It tells the story of a couple, who is about to have a child, from the husband’s perspective and how it changes their relationship, yet he feels sad that he will never be able to bear a child himself. Renaud really paints such a beautiful portrait of the experience of pregnancy.”


See honourees from the Food & Beverage category of the Gen.T List 2019

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